Air travel has come a long way from the Wright brothers’ first experience in a two-seat airplane to luxury travel aboard an airplane. For those who can afford it, the luxury of first-class air travel knows no bounds. In this article, DIP, concerning Insider, takes a look at six of the world’s airlines that offer the best first-class flights.
Emirates
Over the past decades, air carriers have paid increased attention to privacy, which has led to the rise in the popularity of private suites that look like hotel rooms. The UAE’s main air carrier equipped its wide-body aircraft with such “numbers” of the first class. Sliding door suites offer typical premium perks: a varied menu and a huge TV with hundreds of shows and movies.
Below the TV is a small work desk with a mirror and a reading lamp. Passengers also have access to a personal minibar and safe. However, what makes Emirates First Class one of the best is the shower and lounge, exclusive to the A380.
Swiss Airlines
The first class of this airline is a luxury capsule with a large chair that transforms into a bed.
For the convenience of the passenger’s flight, there is a TV and a table with a tray where you can dine on premium dishes such as smoked salmon. The airline claims that eating on board is equivalent to eating at an expensive restaurant.
In addition, passengers can choose when they want to start eating, rather than following the airline’s schedule. The passenger also has access to a wardrobe with storage space, pajamas, and an amenity kit.
All Nippon Airways
The largest airline in Japan has a large fleet of wide-body aircraft with first-class luxury seats. The room is a huge private living room, completely private thanks to the sliding door.
The airline offers its travelers pajamas, an amenity kit, a closet, a large table with a tray, and luxurious food. Complementing the space is a 43-inch flat-screen TV that turns the room into a small cinema in the sky.
Air France
Air France First Class is considered the pinnacle of luxury as there are only four seats available on board. The cabin provides expected luxuries such as a rollaway bed with a memory foam mattress, desk, ottoman, and TV.
Travelers can also take advantage of pajamas, noise-canceling headphones, an amenity kit, and storage space. Another hallmark of the airline’s first class is gourmet cuisine. According to Air France, the in-flight menus are prepared by Michelin-starred chefs and rotated every four months to provide passengers with a varied experience.
Singapore Airlines
Surveys of reputable publications have shown that Singapore Airlines is the best of the best first-class airlines. The suite here is a large room with high doors and walls, making it almost impossible to peek inside and violate the passenger’s privacy.
The “room” managed to accommodate an adjustable armchair and two single beds that can be combined into one large room, making it ideal for couples. The total living area of the suite in this case is almost 10 square meters.
Passengers can use a wardrobe, a dressing table, a large mirror, a tablet, a place to store things, and an amenity kit. The premium cabin also has two bathrooms, reserved for six first-class passengers only.
Etihad Airways
For tens of thousands of dollars, travelers can book Etihad’s famous First Class cabin.
The room includes a living room, a bedroom, and a bathroom. Travelers can even take advantage of on-board butler service.